Bangor, ME & Spring Hill, FL

- Herbert H. Christen , 66, went to be with the Lord on March 15, 2012. At the time of his death, he was a patient at the Hernando County Hospice Center in Brooksville, FL . For the last 11 years, Herb has suffered with multiple strokes and congestive heart failure.

Herb was born in Weinfelden, Switzerland on July 19, 1945 to Hans Joseph and Emily Christen. As a young boy, he and his parents were very proud when he became an altar boy at his local catholic church. After his formal schooling in Weinfelden, he studied drafting at Sulzer Bros. in Winterthur, Switzerland. Because Herb suffered an injury that left him blind in one eye, Switzerland would not qualify him for a pilot's license. Wishing to pursue his drafting studies and hoping to obtain a pilot's license, he moved to the U.S. in 1967 and, at the age of 22, he worked as a draftsman in CT for Terry Steambine Co. and later for Morse Manufacturing in MA. He also fulfilled his dream of flying and received his pilot’s license in the U.S.

In 1970, he became a naturalized U.S. citizen and was grateful for his dual citizenship. It was his desire to join the U.S. military but was given a 1Y because of his missing eye.

Among his many talents, Herb spoke six different languages, being fluent in three languages. This language propensity served him well during his many travels across Europe, U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Herb was known for his vast knowledge in aviation, history and military wars. He leveraged his knowledge, experiences and ambition to create his own company, Northeast Hydraulics, in New Hampshire. There he not only invented, but improved upon the many intricate parts used on bucket trucks and other hydraulic apparatus.

Over the last few years, Herb followed his passion for planes and his respect for the American military, and became a Troop Greeter at the Bangor International Airport. At all hours of the day and night, Herb would visit the Airport if a troop plane was landing or taking off and was most proud to be among those greeting the American soldiers. He also enjoyed being part of the McDonald’s Breakfast Club in Brewer, ME where he would listen to the stories of those proud men who served our country.

Herb is survived by his companion of 17 years, Lorna Davis of Bangor, ME; daughter, Heidi Christen of Boston, MA; and former wife, Nancy Christen of Natick, MA. In Switzerland, he leaves his mother, Emily Christen; brother, Hans Peter Christen; sister, Marlis Baumgartner; half-brother, Hansweirlie Christen; stepmother, Maria Christen; and several nieces and nephews. Herb will also be dearly missed by the many friends he’s made over the years in Maine and New England.

A memorial service will take place in MA this June.  Anyone who would like to leave a tribute or story may  do so @  herbert-christen.forevermissed.com.